Apparatus for endoscopic procedures

ABSTRACT

An electromechanical surgical device includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function, the end effector including an input drive axle projecting therefrom; and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a rotatable drive shaft; a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of an outer tube; a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing; a pivot pin interconnecting the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing; and a gear train supported in the proximal neck housing, on the pivot pin, and in the distal neck housing. The gear train includes a proximal gear; an intermediate gear; a distal gear; and a pair of output gears, wherein each output gear defines a coupling socket each configured to selectively receive the drive axle of the end effector.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical apparatus, devices and/orsystems for performing endoscopic surgical procedures and methods of usethereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates toelectromechanical, hand-held surgical apparatus, devices and/or systemsconfigured for use with removable disposable loading units and/or singleuse loading units for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue.

2. Background of Related Art

A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lineswith proprietary drive systems for operating and/or manipulatingelectromechanical surgical devices. In many instances theelectromechanical surgical devices include a handle assembly, which isreusable, and disposable loading units and/or single use loading unitsor the like that are selectively connected to the handle assembly priorto use and then disconnected from the handle assembly following use inorder to be disposed of or in some instances sterilized for re-use.

Many of these electromechanical surgical devices are relativelyexpensive to manufacture, purchase and/or operate. There is a constantdesire by manufactures and end users to develop electromechanicalsurgical devices that are relatively inexpensive to manufacture,purchase and/or operate yet still provide a large degree of operability.

Accordingly, a need exists for electromechanical surgical apparatus,devices and/or systems that are relatively economical from thedevelopment and manufacturing stages, to the selling/purchase stages, tothe storing/shipping stages, to the use/operation stages, and on to thedisposal and/or re-use stages while still providing an end user with ahigh degree of operability.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to electromechanical, hand-held surgicalapparatus, devices and/or systems configured for use with removabledisposable loading units and/or single use loading units for clamping,cutting and/or stapling tissue.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electromechanicalsurgical device is provided and includes an end effector configured toperform at least one function, the end effector including an input driveaxle projecting therefrom; and a shaft assembly. The shaft assemblyincludes an outer tube; a rotatable drive shaft supported therein; aproximal neck housing supported at a distal end of the outer tube; adistal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing,wherein a distal end of the distal neck housing is configured andadapted for operative connection with the end effector; a pivot pininterconnecting the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing;and a gear train supported in the proximal neck housing, on the pivotpin, and in the distal neck housing.

The gear train includes a proximal gear rotatably supported in theproximal neck housing and being coupled to a distal end of the rotatabledrive shaft; an intermediate gear rotatably supported on the pivot pinand being in operative engagement with the proximal gear; a distal gearrotatably supported in the distal neck housing and being in operativeengagement with the intermediate gear; and a pair of output gearsrotatably supported in the distal neck housing and each being inoperative engagement with the distal gear, wherein each output geardefines a coupling socket each configured to selectively receive thedrive axle of the end effector.

The end effector may include an upper jaw and a lower jaw movable withrespect to one another between open and closed positions, wherein tissuecontacting surfaces of the upper jaw and the lower jaw define a planetherebetween, and wherein the end effector is selectively connectable tothe distal neck housing of the shaft assembly in one of a firstorientation and a second orientation.

In the first orientation, the plane defined by the end effector may beoriented substantially orthogonal to a pivot axis defined by the pivotpin. In the second orientation, the plane defined by the end effectormay be oriented substantially parallel to a pivot axis defined by thepivot pin.

In use, when the end effector is connected to the distal neck housing ofthe shaft assembly in the first orientation, the drive axle of the endeffector may be coupled to the coupling socket of a first of the pair ofoutput gears. Also in use, when the end effector is connected to thedistal neck housing of the shaft assembly in the second orientation, thedrive axle of the end effector may be coupled to the coupling socket ofa second of the pair of output gears.

In an embodiment, a rotation of the drive shaft of the shaft assemblymay result in rotation of both output gears.

The shaft assembly may have a straight configuration, and an angledconfiguration wherein the distal neck housing is pivoted about the pivotpin to a desired angled configuration. The gear train may transmitrotation from the drive shaft to both output gears when the shaftassembly is in either the straight configuration or the angledconfiguration.

An axis of rotation of the proximal gear may be co-axial with an axis ofrotation of the drive shaft, wherein an axis of rotation of the distalgear may be co-axial with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft whenthe shaft assembly is in a straight configuration, and wherein an axisof rotation of each of the output gears may be parallel to the axis ofrotation of the distal gear.

The axis of rotation of the distal gear may be oriented orthogonal to apivot axis defined by the pivot pin.

The axis of rotation of each of the output gears may be disposed atapproximately 90° to one another, relative to the axis of rotation ofthe distal gear.

The shaft assembly may include a release assembly configured forselective engagement with the end effector at a distal end of the shaftassembly, and may be actuatable from a proximal end of the shaftassembly.

The release assembly of the shaft assembly may include a pair ofdiametrically opposed connection pins supported in the distal neckhousing. The release assembly may include an actuated condition in whichthe connection pins are retracted radially inward; and a non-actuatedcondition in which the connection pins project radially outward.

The end effector may include a coupling member defined by an annularwall, and wherein the coupling member may define a first pair ofdiametrically opposed attachment holes and a second pair ofdiametrically opposed attachment holes, wherein the first pair and thesecond pair of attachment holes may be offset approximately 90° relativeto one another.

Each of the first pair and second pair of attachment holes may beconfigured to receive the pair of connection pins of the releaseassembly when the end effector is connected to the shaft assembly in oneof the first orientation and the second orientation.

The release assembly of the shaft assembly may include a release buttonsupported near a proximal end of the outer tube, and a release cableinterconnecting the release button and the connection pins. In use, anactuation of the release button may exert a force on the release cableto actuate the connection pins from the non-actuated condition to theactuated condition.

The shaft assembly may further include an articulation rod at leastpartially slidably supported in the distal neck housing. Thearticulation rod may include a distal end; and a proximal endoperatively connected to a rotatable drive shaft; wherein thearticulation rod is off set a radial distance from a centrallongitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly may furtherinclude an articulation link having a proximal end pivotally connectedto the distal end of the articulation rod, and a distal end pivotallyconnected to the distal neck housing. In use, actuation of a rotatabledrive shaft of the electromechanical surgical device that is connectedto the articulation rod may cause the articulation rod to axiallytranslate. Also in use, axial translation of the articulation rod maycause the distal neck housing to pivot off axis relative to the proximalneck housing.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, anelectromechanical surgical device is provided and comprises an endeffector configured to perform at least one function, the end effectorincluding an input drive axle projecting therefrom; and a shaftassembly. The shaft assembly includes an outer tube; a rotatable driveshaft supported therein; a proximal neck housing supported at a distalend of the outer tube; a distal neck housing pivotally connected to theproximal neck housing, wherein a distal end of the distal neck housingis configured and adapted for operative connection with the endeffector; a pivot pin interconnecting the proximal neck housing and thedistal neck housing; and a release assembly configured for selectiveengagement with the end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly,and being actuatable from a proximal end of the shaft assembly, whereinthe release assembly of the shaft assembly includes a pair ofdiametrically opposed connection pins supported in the distal neckhousing. The release assembly includes an actuated condition in whichthe connection pins are retracted radially inward; and a non-actuatedcondition in which the connection pins project radially outward.

The end effector may include a coupling member defined by an annularwall, and wherein the coupling member may define a first pair ofdiametrically opposed attachment holes and a second pair ofdiametrically opposed attachment holes, wherein the first pair and thesecond pair of attachment holes are offset approximately 90° relative toone another.

Each of the first pair and second pair of attachment holes may beconfigured to receive the pair of connection pins of the releaseassembly when the end effector is connected to the shaft assembly in oneof a first orientation and a second orientation oriented approximately90° about a longitudinal axis thereof, relative to the firstorientation.

The release assembly of the shaft assembly may include a release buttonsupported near a proximal end of the outer tube, and a release cableinterconnecting the release button and the connection pins. In use, anactuation of the release button may exert a force on the release cableto actuate the connection pins from the non-actuated condition to theactuated condition.

The shaft assembly may further include a gear train supported in theproximal neck housing, on the pivot pin, and in the distal neck housing.The gear train may include a proximal gear rotatably supported in theproximal neck housing and being coupled to a distal end of the rotatabledrive shaft; an intermediate gear rotatably supported on the pivot pinand being in operative engagement with the proximal gear; a distal gearrotatably supported in the distal neck housing and being in operativeengagement with the intermediate gear; and a pair of output gearsrotatably supported in the distal neck housing and each being inoperative engagement with the distal gear, wherein each output geardefines a coupling socket each configured to selectively receive thedrive axle of the end effector.

The end effector may include an upper jaw and a lower jaw movable withrespect to one another between open and closed positions, wherein tissuecontacting surfaces of the upper jaw and the lower jaw defines a planetherebetween. The end effector may be selectively connectable to thedistal neck housing of the shaft assembly in one of a first orientationand a second orientation.

In the first orientation, the plane defined by the end effector may beoriented substantially orthogonal to a pivot axis defined by the pivotpin. In the second orientation, the plane defined by the end effectormay be oriented substantially parallel to a pivot axis defined by thepivot pin.

In use, when the end effector is connected to the distal neck housing ofthe shaft assembly in the first orientation, the drive axle of the endeffector may be coupled to the coupling socket of a first of the pair ofoutput gears. Also in use, when the end effector is connected to thedistal neck housing of the shaft assembly in the second orientation, thedrive axle of the end effector may be coupled to the coupling socket ofa second of the pair of output gears.

A rotation of the drive shaft of the shaft assembly may result inrotation of both output gears.

The shaft assembly may have a straight configuration, and an angledconfiguration wherein the distal neck housing is pivoted about the pivotpin to a desired angled configuration between about 0° to about 90°.

The gear train may transmit rotation from the drive shaft to both outputgears when the shaft assembly is in either the straight configuration orthe angled configuration.

An axis of rotation of the proximal gear may be co-axial with an axis ofrotation of the drive shaft, wherein an axis of rotation of the distalgear may be co-axial with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft whenthe shaft assembly is in a straight configuration, and wherein an axisof rotation of each of the output gears may be parallel to the axis ofrotation of the distal gear.

The axis of rotation of the distal gear may be oriented orthogonal to apivot axis defined by the pivot pin. The axis of rotation of each of theoutput gears may be disposed at approximately 90° to one another,relative to the axis of rotation of the distal gear.

The shaft assembly may further comprise an articulation rod at leastpartially slidably supported in the distal neck housing. Thearticulation rod may include a distal end; and a proximal endoperatively connected to a rotatable drive shaft; wherein thearticulation rod is off set a radial distance from a centrallongitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly may includean articulation link having a proximal end pivotally connected to thedistal end of the articulation rod, and a distal end pivotally connectedto the distal neck housing. Actuation of a rotatable drive shaft of theelectromechanical surgical device that is connected to the articulationrod may cause the articulation rod to axially translate. Axialtranslation of the articulation rod may cause the distal neck housing topivot off axis relative to the proximal neck housing.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, an endeffector for performing a surgical function and being connectable to anelectromechanical power source is provided. The end effector comprisesan upper jaw and a lower jaw, at least one of the upper jaw and thelower jaw being movable in relation to the other of the upper jaw andthe lower jaw, wherein the lower jaw of the end effector is configuredto selectively receive a cartridge assembly; a drive beam slidablysupported in the lower jaw and being translatable through each of theupper jaw and the lower jaw to move the lower jaw relative to the upper;a cartridge assembly configured for loading into the lower jaw, thecartridge assembly including an actuation sled slidably supportedtherein and being configured to expel at least a portion of a pluralityof staples loaded in the cartridge assembly upon a distal movement ofthe actuation sled from a proximal-most position; a drive screwrotatably supported in the lower jaw, wherein the drive beam isthreadably supported on the drive screw, whereby rotation of the drivescrew results in axial translation of the drive beam; and a proximalcoupling member defined by a proximally extending annular wall defininga proximal facing opening, wherein a first pair of diametrically opposedattachment holes are formed in the annular wall, and a second pair ofdiametrically opposed attachment holes are formed in the annular wall,wherein the first pair and the second pair of attachment holes areoffset approximately 90° relative to one another.

The annular wall of the coupling member may be angled radially inwardlyand distally from a proximal-most edge thereof.

According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a shaftassembly for selectively interconnecting an end effector and anelectromechanical power source is provided. The shaft assembly comprisesan outer tube; a rotatable drive shaft supported therein; a proximalneck housing supported at a distal end of the outer tube; a distal neckhousing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing, wherein adistal end of the distal neck housing is configured and adapted foroperative connection with the end effector; a pivot pin interconnectingthe proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing; and a gear trainsupported in the proximal neck housing, on the pivot pin, and in thedistal neck housing. The gear train includes a proximal gear rotatablysupported in the proximal neck housing and being coupled to a distal endof the rotatable drive shaft; an intermediate gear rotatably supportedon the pivot pin and being in operative engagement with the proximalgear; a distal gear rotatably supported in the distal neck housing andbeing in operative engagement with the intermediate gear; and a pair ofoutput gears rotatably supported in the distal neck housing and eachbeing in operative engagement with the distal gear, wherein each outputgear defines a coupling socket each configured to selectively receivethe drive axle of the end effector.

In use, a rotation of the drive shaft of the shaft assembly may resultin rotation of both output gears.

The shaft assembly may have a straight configuration, and an angledconfiguration, between about 0° to about 90°, wherein the distal neckhousing is pivoted about the pivot pin to a desired angledconfiguration.

The gear train may transmit rotation from the drive shaft to both outputgears when the shaft assembly is in either the straight configuration orthe angled configuration.

An axis of rotation of the proximal gear may be co-axial with an axis ofrotation of the drive shaft, wherein an axis of rotation of the distalgear may be co-axial with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft whenthe shaft assembly is in a straight configuration, and wherein an axisof rotation of each of the output gears may be parallel to the axis ofrotation of the distal gear.

The axis of rotation of the distal gear may be oriented orthogonal to apivot axis defined by the pivot pin. The axis of rotation of each of theoutput gears may be disposed at approximately 90° to one another,relative to the axis of rotation of the distal gear.

The shaft assembly may further include a release assembly configured forselective engagement with the end effector at a distal end of the shaftassembly, and may be actuatable from a proximal end of the shaftassembly.

The release assembly may include a pair of diametrically opposedconnection pins supported in the distal neck housing. The releaseassembly may include an actuated condition in which the connection pinsare refracted radially inward; and a non-actuated condition in which theconnection pins project radially outward.

The release assembly may include a release button supported near aproximal end of the outer tube, and a release cable interconnecting therelease button and the connection pins.

In use, an actuation of the release button may exert a force on therelease cable to actuate the connection pins from the non-actuatedcondition to the actuated condition.

The shaft assembly may further include an articulation rod at leastpartially slidably supported in the distal neck housing. Thearticulation rod may include a distal end; and a proximal endoperatively connected to a rotatable drive shaft; wherein thearticulation rod is off set a radial distance from a centrallongitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly may includean articulation link having a proximal end pivotally connected to thedistal end of the articulation rod, and a distal end pivotally connectedto the distal neck housing. In use, actuation of a rotatable drive shaftof the electromechanical surgical device that is connected to thearticulation rod may cause the articulation rod to axially translate.Also in use, axial translation of the articulation rod may cause thedistal neck housing to pivot off axis relative to the proximal neckhousing.

Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention are described in more detail below with reference to theappended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of anelectromechanical surgical system according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a powered surgical device of theelectromechanical surgical system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear, perspective view of a shaft assembly and a poweredsurgical device, of the electromechanical surgical system of FIG. 1,illustrating a connection therebetween;

FIG. 4 is a side, elevational view of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 1 and3;

FIG. 5 is a rear, perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 1, 3and 4, with outer covers or housing removed therefrom;

FIG. 6 is a rear, perspective view of the shaft assembly illustrated inFIG. 5, with an outer cover or housing of a proximal coupling memberremoved therefrom;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, left-side, perspective view of a proximal endportion of the shaft assembly illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, right-side, perspective view of a proximal endportion of the shaft assembly illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, perspective view of a distal end portion of theshaft assembly illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10A is an enlarged, front, perspective view of the shaft assemblyof FIGS. 1 and 3-9, illustrating a release assembly thereof;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a release assembly according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10C is another perspective view of the release assembly of FIG.10A;

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a release assembly according to yetanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side, elevational view of an articulating neck assembly ofthe shaft assembly of FIGS. 1 and 3-9;

FIG. 12 is a rear, perspective view of the articulating neck assembly ofFIG. 11 with housing portions removed therefrom;

FIG. 13 is a front, perspective view of the articulating neck assemblyof FIG. 11 with housing portions removed therefrom;

FIG. 14 is a rear, perspective view, partially broken away, of the shaftassembly of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, with outer covers or housing removedtherefrom;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view as taken and viewed along 15-15 ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 15A is an enlarged, perspective view, with parts separated, of arelease button of the release assembly;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged, rear perspective view of a distal end portion ofthe shaft assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view as taken and viewed along 16A-16A ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged, rear perspective view of a distal-most endportion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 17A-17C are perspective views (with FIG. 17B being across-sectional perspective view taken along 17B-17B of FIG. 17A),illustrating an actuation of the release assembly from a lockingposition to a release position;

FIG. 18 is a side, elevational view of an end effector according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the end effector ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a rear, perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged, rear, perspective view of a proximal end of theend effector of FIGS. 18-20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the end effector and shaftassembly connected to one another;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view, illustrating the distal end of the shaftassembly in an articulated condition and the end effector beingconnected thereto while in a first angular orientation; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view, illustrating the distal end of the shaftassembly in an articulated condition and the end effector beingconnected thereto while in a second angular orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed electromechanical surgicalsystem, apparatus and/or device are described in detail with referenceto the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical orcorresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein theterm “distal” refers to that portion of the electromechanical surgicalsystem, apparatus and/or device, or component thereof, that are fartherfrom the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of theelectromechanical surgical system, apparatus and/or device, or componentthereof, that are closer to the user.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, an electromechanical, hand-held,powered surgical system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is shown and generally designated 10. Electromechanicalsurgical system 10 includes a surgical apparatus or device in the formof an electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical device 100 that isconfigured for selective attachment thereto of a plurality of differentend effectors 400, via an adapter or shaft assembly 200, that are eachconfigured for actuation and manipulation by the electromechanical,hand-held, powered surgical device 100. In particular, surgical device100 is configured for selective connection with shaft assembly 200, and,in turn, shaft assembly 200 is configured for selective connection withany one of a plurality of different end effectors 400.

Reference may be made to International Application No.PCT/US2008/077249, filed Sep. 22, 2008 (Inter. Pub. No. WO 2009/039506)and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,827, filed on Nov. 20, 2009,the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein byreference, for a detailed description of the construction and operationof exemplary electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical device 100.

Generally, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, surgical device 100 includes ahandle housing 102 having a lower housing portion 104, an intermediatehousing portion 106 extending from and/or supported on lower housingportion 104, and an upper housing portion 108 extending from and/orsupported on intermediate housing portion 106. Handle housing 102defines a cavity therein in which a circuit board (not shown) and adrive mechanism (not shown) are situated.

The circuit board is configured to control the various operations ofsurgical device 100, as will be set forth in additional detail below. Inaccordance with the present disclosure, handle housing 102 provides ahousing in which a rechargeable battery (not shown), is removablysituated. The battery is configured to supply power to any of theelectrical components of surgical device 100.

Upper housing portion 108 of handle housing 102 defines a nose orconnecting portion 108 a configured to accept a corresponding shaftcoupling assembly 208 a of transmission housing 208 of shaft assembly200. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, connecting portion 108 a of upper housingportion 108 of surgical device 100 has a cylindrical recess 108 b thatreceives shaft coupling assembly 208 a of transmission housing 208 ofshaft assembly 200 when shaft assembly 200 is mated to surgical device100. Connecting portion 108 a houses three rotatable drive connectors118, 120, 122, each independently actuatable and rotatable by the drivemechanism (not shown) housed within handle housing 102.

Upper housing portion 108 of handle housing 102 provides a housing inwhich the drive mechanism (not shown) is situated. The drive mechanismis configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to performthe various operations of surgical device 100. In particular, the drivemechanism is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in orderto selectively move end effector 400 relative to shaft assembly 200; torotate shaft assembly 200 and/or end effector 400, about a longitudinalaxis “X” (see FIG. 4), relative to handle housing 102; to move an upperjaw or anvil assembly 442 of end effector 400 relative to a lower jaw orcartridge assembly 410 of end effector 400, and/or to fire a staplingand cutting cartridge within cartridge assembly 410 of end effector 400.

In use, when shaft assembly 200 is mated to surgical device 100, each ofrotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 coupleswith a corresponding rotatable connector sleeve 218, 220, 222 of shaftassembly 200 (see FIGS. 3, 7 and 8). In this regard, the interfacebetween corresponding first drive connector 118 and first connectorsleeve 218, the interface between corresponding second drive connector120 and second connector sleeve 220, and the interface betweencorresponding third drive connector 122 and third connector sleeve 222are keyed such that rotation of each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122of surgical device 100 causes a corresponding rotation of thecorresponding connector sleeve 218, 220, 222 of shaft assembly 200.

The mating of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 withconnector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of shaft assembly 200 allows rotationalforces to be independently transmitted via each of the three respectiveconnector interfaces. The drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgicaldevice 100 are configured to be independently rotated by the drivemechanism. In this regard, a function selection module (not shown) ofthe drive mechanism selects which drive connector or connectors 118,120, 122 of surgical device 100 is to be driven by an input drivecomponent (not shown) of the drive mechanism.

Since each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 hasa keyed and/or substantially non-rotatable interface with respectiveconnector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of shaft assembly 200, when shaftassembly 200 is coupled to surgical device 100, rotational force(s) areselectively transferred from the drive mechanism of surgical device 100to shaft assembly 200, and on to end effector 400, as will be discussedin greater detail below.

The selective rotation of drive connector(s) 118, 120 and/or 122 ofsurgical device 100 allows surgical device 100 to selectively actuatedifferent functions of end effector 400. As will be discussed in greaterdetail below, selective and independent rotation of first driveconnector 118 of surgical device 100 corresponds to the selective andindependent rotation of end effector 400 about longitudinal axis “X”(see FIG. 4) relative to handle housing 102 of surgical device 100.Also, the selective and independent rotation of second drive connector120 of surgical device 100 corresponds to the selective and independentopening and closing of end effector 400, and driving of astapling/cutting component of end effector 400. Additionally, theselective and independent rotation of third drive connector 122 ofsurgical device 100 corresponds to the selective and independentarticulation of end effector 400 transverse to longitudinal axis “X”(see FIG. 4).

In accordance with the present disclosure, the drive mechanism mayinclude a selector gearbox assembly (not shown); a function selectionmodule (not shown), located proximal to the selector gearbox assembly,that functions to selectively move gear elements within the selectorgearbox assembly into engagement with a second motor (not shown). Thedrive mechanism may be configured to selectively drive one of driveconnectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100, at a given time.Alternatively, the drive mechanism may be configured and capable ofsimultaneously driving all drive connectors 118, 120, 122, or anyselected two of the drive connectors 118, 120, 122.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, handle housing 102 supports a pair offinger-actuated control buttons 124, 126 and/or rocker device(s) 130(only one rocker device being shown). Each one of the control buttons124, 126 and rocker device(s) 130 includes a respective magnet (notshown) that is moved by the actuation of an operator.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, surgical device 100 is configured forselective connection with shaft assembly 200, and, in turn, shaftassembly 200 is configured for selective connection with end effector400. Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 3-17C, shaft assembly 200 will be shownin detail and described. Shaft assembly 200 is configured to communicatethe rotational forces of first, second and third rotatable driveconnectors 118, 120, and 122 of surgical device 100 to end effector 400.As mentioned above, shaft assembly 200 is configured for selectiveconnection to surgical device 100.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3-9, shaft assembly 200 includes an elongate,substantially rigid, tubular body 210 having a proximal end 210 a and adistal end 210 b; a transmission housing 208 connected to proximal end210 a of tubular body 210 and being configured for selective connectionto surgical device 100; and an articulating neck assembly 230 connectedto distal end 210 b of elongate body portion 210.

Transmission housing 208 and tubular body 210 are configured anddimensioned to house the components of shaft assembly 200. Tubular body210 is dimensioned for endoscopic insertion, in particular, that outertube is passable through a typical trocar port, cannula or the like.Transmission housing 208 is dimensioned to not enter the trocar port,cannula or the like.

Transmission housing 208 of shaft assembly 200 is configured and adaptedto connect to connecting portion 108 a of upper housing portion 108 ofsurgical device 100. As seen in FIGS. 1, 3-5, 14 and 22, transmissionhousing 208 of shaft assembly 200 includes a shaft coupling assembly 208a supported at a proximal end thereof. Shaft coupling assembly 208 a isconfigured and adapted to connect to connecting portion 108 a of upperhousing portion 108 of distal half-section 110 a of surgical device 100.

Transmission housing 208, and particularly shaft coupling assembly 208a, rotatably supports a first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212, asecond rotatable proximal drive shaft 214, and a third rotatableproximal drive shaft 216 therein.

Shaft coupling assembly 208 a is also configured to rotatably supportfirst, second and third connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222,respectively. Each of connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 is configured tomate with respective first, second and third drive connectors 118, 120,122 of surgical device 100, as described above. Each of connectorsleeves 218, 220, 222 is further configured to mate with a proximal endof respective first, second and third proximal drive shafts 212, 214,216.

Shaft coupling assembly 208 a of transmission housing 208 also includesa first, a second and a third biasing member 224, 226 and 228 disposeddistally of respective first, second and third connector sleeves 218,220, 222. Each of biasing members 224, 226 and 228 is disposed aboutrespective first, second and third rotatable proximal drive shaft 212,214 and 216. Biasing members 224, 226 and 228 act on respectiveconnector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 to help maintain connector sleeves218, 220 and 222 engaged with the distal end of respective rotatabledrive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 when shaftassembly 200 is connected to surgical device 100.

In particular, first, second and third biasing members 224, 226 and 228function to bias respective connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 in aproximal direction. In this manner, during assembly of shaft assembly200 to surgical device 100, if first, second and/or third connectorsleeves 218, 220 and/or 222 is/are misaligned with the drive connectors118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100, first, second and/or third biasingmember(s) 224, 226 and/or 228 are compressed. Thus, when surgical device100 is operated, drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100will rotate and first, second and/or third biasing member(s) 224, 226and/or 228 will cause respective first, second and/or third connectorsleeve(s) 218, 220 and/or 222 to slide back proximally, effectivelycoupling drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 to first,second and/or third proximal drive shaft(s) 212, 214 and 216 of shaftcoupling assembly 208 a of transmission housing 208.

Shaft assembly 200 includes a plurality of force/rotationtransmitting/converting assemblies, each disposed within transmissionhousing 208 and tubular body 210. Each force/rotationtransmitting/converting assembly is configured and adapted totransmit/convert a speed/force of rotation (e.g., increase or decrease)of first, second and third rotatable drive connectors 118, 120 and 122of surgical device 100 before transmission of such rotationalspeed/force to end effector 400.

Specifically, shaft assembly 200 includes a first, a second and a thirdforce/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 240, 250, 260,respectively, disposed within transmission housing 208 and tubular body210. Each force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 240, 250, 260is configured and adapted to transmit or convert a rotation of a first,second and third drive connector 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100into axial translation of articulation bar 248 of shaft assembly 200, toeffectuate articulating of end effector 400; a rotation of a ring gear266 of shaft assembly 200, to effectuate rotation of shaft assembly 200;or a second proximal drive shaft 214 of shaft assembly 200 to effectuateclosing, opening and firing of end effector 400.

As seen in FIGS. 5-8, first force/rotation transmitting/convertingassembly 240 includes first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212, which,as described above, is rotatably supported within transmission housing208. First rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 includes a non-circular orshaped proximal end portion configured for connection with firstconnector sleeve 218 which is connected to respective first connector118 of surgical device 100. First rotatable proximal drive shaft 212includes a distal end portion 212 b having a threaded outer profile orsurface.

First force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 240 furtherincludes a drive coupling nut 244 rotatably coupled to threaded distalend portion 212 b of first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212, and whichis slidably disposed within transmission housing 208. Drive coupling nut244 is slidably keyed within transmission housing 208 so as to beprevented from rotation as first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 isrotated. In this manner, as first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 isrotated, drive coupling nut 244 is translated along threaded distal endportion 212 b of first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 and, in turn,through and/or along transmission housing 208.

First force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 240 furtherincludes a thrust bearing assembly 246 having a first bearing 246 asecured to drive coupling nut 244, and a second bearing 246 b rotatablyconnected to first bearing 246 a. First force/rotationtransmitting/converting assembly 240 also includes an articulation bar248 having a proximal end 248 a secured or connected to second bearing246 b. A distal end 248 b of articulation bar 248 extends throughtubular body 210.

In operation, as first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 is rotated,due to a rotation of first connector sleeve 218, as a result of therotation of the first respective drive connector 118 of surgical device100, threaded distal end portion 212 b of first rotatable proximal driveshaft 212 is rotated. Thus, as first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212is rotated, drive coupling nut 244 is caused to be translated axiallyalong threaded distal portion 212 b of first rotatable proximal driveshaft 212.

As drive coupling nut 244 is caused to be translated axially along firstrotatable proximal drive shaft 212, thrust bearing 246 and, in turn,articulation bar 248, are caused to be translated axially relative totubular body 210. As will be described in greater detail below, asarticulation bar 248 is axially translated, articulation bar 248 causesarticulating neck assembly 230 of shaft assembly 200 to articulate and,in turn, causes end effector 400 to articulate when end effector 400 isconnected to shaft assembly 200.

With reference to FIGS. 5-8, second force/rotationtransmitting/converting assembly 250 of shaft assembly 200 includessecond rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 rotatably supported withintransmission housing 208 and tubular body 210. Second rotatable proximaldrive shaft 214 includes a non-circular or shaped proximal end portionconfigured for connection with second connector sleeve 220 which isconnected to respective second connector 120 of surgical device 100.Second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 further includes a distal endportion 214 b (see FIGS. 11-13) having a non-circular or shapedtransverse cross-sectional profile. Distal end portion 214 b of secondrotatable proximal drive shaft 214 extends to proximal neck housing 232of articulating neck assembly 230. In accordance with the presentdisclosure, second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 defines an axis ofrotation that is substantially co-incident or co-axial with a centrallongitudinal axis of tubular body 210.

In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, as second rotatable proximaldrive shaft 214 is rotated due to a rotation of second connector sleeve220, as a result of the rotation of the second drive connector 120 ofsurgical device 100, said rotation is transmitted directly to first orproximal bevel gear 238 a of articulating neck assembly 230 of shaftassembly 200, to effectuate a closure and a firing of end effector 400,as will be discussed in greater detail below.

As also seen in FIGS. 5-8 and as mentioned above, shaft assembly 200includes a third force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 260supported in transmission housing 208. Third force/rotationtransmitting/converting assembly 260 includes a rotation ring gear 266fixedly supported in transmission housing 208. Ring gear 266 defines aninternal array of gear teeth 266 a. Ring gear 266 includes a pair ofdiametrically opposed, radially extending protrusions 266 b projectingfrom an outer edge thereof. Protrusions 266 b are disposed withinrecesses (not shown) defined in an inner surface of transmission housing208, such that rotation of ring gear 266 results in rotation oftransmission housing 208.

Third force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 260 furtherincludes third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 which, as describedabove, is rotatably supported within transmission housing 208. Thirdrotatable proximal drive shaft 216 includes a non-circular or shapedproximal end portion configured for connection with third connectorsleeve 222 which is connected to respective third connector 122 ofsurgical device 100. Third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 includes aspur gear 216 a keyed to a distal end thereof. A reversing spur gear 264inter-engages spur gear 216 a of third rotatable proximal drive shaft216 to gear teeth 266 a of ring gear 266.

In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, as third rotatable proximaldrive shaft 216 is rotated, due to a rotation of third connector sleeve222, as a result of the rotation of the third drive connector 122 ofsurgical device 100, spur gear 216 a of third rotatable proximal driveshaft 216 engages reversing gear 264 causing reversing gear 264 torotate. As reversing gear 264 rotates, ring gear 266 also rotatesthereby causing transmission housing 208 to rotate. As transmissionhousing 208 is rotated, tubular body 210 is caused to be rotated aboutlongitudinal axis “X” of shaft assembly 200. As tubular body 210 isrotated, end effector 400, that is connected to distal neck housing 236of articulating neck assembly 230 of shaft assembly 200, is also causedto be rotated about a longitudinal axis of shaft assembly 200.

Turning now to FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10A-13, articulating neck assembly 230is shown and described. Articulating neck assembly 230 includes aproximal neck housing 232; and a distal neck housing 236 pivotallyconnected to and extending distally from proximal neck housing 232 by apivot pin 234. Pivot pin 234 defines a pivot axis “P” (see FIGS. 9 and11-13) that is oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis “X” andextends through the longitudinal axis “X”.

Articulating neck assembly 230 includes a gear train 238 having a firstor proximal bevel gear 238 a rotatably supported in proximal neckhousing 232, a second or intermediate bevel gear 238 b supported onpivot pin 234 and enmeshed with first bevel gear 238 a, and a third ordistal bevel gear 238 c rotatably supported in distal neck housing 236and enmeshed with second or intermediate bevel gear 238 b. It iscontemplated that each of first or proximal bevel gear 238 a and thirdor distal bevel gear 238 c share a common axis of rotation which isco-incident or co-axial with the central longitudinal axis “X” of shaftassembly 200, when articulating neck assembly 230 is in anon-articulated condition.

First or proximal bevel gear 238 a is non-rotatably coupled to distalend portion 214 b of second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214. In thismanner, as second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 is rotated, asdescribed above, said rotation is transmitted to first or proximal bevelgear 238 a.

Third or distal bevel gear 238 c includes a spur gear 238 dnon-rotatably connected thereto via a rotation shaft or pin 238 e. Inthis manner, as first or proximal bevel gear 238 a is rotated, asdescribed above, said rotation is transmitted to second or intermediatebevel gear 238 b and, in turn, on to third or distal bevel gear 238 c.As third or distal bevel gear 238 c is rotated, said rotation istransmitted to spur gear 238 d due to the non-rotatably inter-connectionby shaft or pin 238 e.

While gear train 238 has been shown and described using bevel gears, itis contemplated that gear train 238 may include at least one face gearor the like to achieve the intended purpose of transferring rotationacross a pivot point.

As seen in FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10A-13, distal neck portion 236 ofarticulating neck assembly 230 rotatably supports a pair of output gears239 a, 239 b, each enmeshed with spur gear 238 d. Each output gear 239a, 239 b defines a respective coupling socket 239 a ₁, 239 b ₁. In thismanner, as spur gear 238 d is rotated, as described above, said rotationis transmitted to both output gears 239 a, 239 b. Each coupling socket239 a ₁, 239 b ₁ is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive aproximal head 426 a of a drive axle 426 of end effector 400, as will bediscussed in greater detail below. Moreover, output gears 239 a, 239 bare arranged to have axes of rotation which are parallel to thelongitudinal axis “X” and which are disposed substantially at 90°relative to one another, or any other appropriate or desired angularseparation from one another.

Articulating neck assembly 230 includes an articulation link 241 havinga proximal end 241 a pivotally connected to distal end 248 b ofarticulation bar 248. A distal end 241 b of articulation link 241 ispivotally connected to distal neck housing 236, at a location offset atransverse distance from the longitudinal axis “X”.

Proximal neck housing 232 defines a chamfered distal surface 232 a, anddistal neck housing 236 defines a chamfered proximal surface 236 a. Inan embodiment, chamfered surfaces 232 a, 236 a are in juxtaposedrelation to one another. In use, when end effector 400 is actuated to anoff-axis orientation, as will be discussed in greater detail below,chamfered surfaces 232 a, 236 a of proximal neck housing 232 and distalneck housing 236 are approximated toward one another. Desirably, eachchamfered surface 232 a, 236 a is angled at about 45° relative to thelongitudinal axis “X”. Specifically, chamfered surface 232 a of proximalneck housing 232 is angled at about (−)45° relative to the longitudinalaxis “X”, while chamfered surface 236 a of distal neck housing 236 isangled at about (+)45° relative to the longitudinal axis “X”. In thismanner, when end effector 400 is actuated to a maximum off-axisorientation, as seen in FIGS. 17, 23 and 24, end effector 400 isoriented at about 90° relative to the longitudinal axis “X”. In use, endeffector 400 may be oriented at any angular orientation from about 0° toabout 90° relative to the longitudinal axis “X”, as needed or desired,such as, for example, about 45°.

In accordance with the present disclosure, distal neck housing 236 ispivotable in a single direction relative to proximal neck housing 232.

As seen in FIGS. 4-6 and 9, articulating neck assembly 230 includes ashield 243 secured to articulation link 240. Shield 243 functions toprotect the user and patient from gear train 238.

Articulating neck assembly 230 further includes, as seen in FIGS. 5, 6,9, 10A and 17A-17C, a distal connection hub 250 supported and/or coupledin a distal end of distal neck housing 236. Connection hub 250 rotatablysupports both output gears 239 a, 239 b. In an embodiment, as seen inFIGS. 17A-17C, connection hub 250 defines a pair of diametricallyopposed angled surfaces 252 a, 252 b. Each angled surface 252 a, 252 bextends in a radially outward direction and in a transverse distaldirection relative to a central axis of shaft assembly 200.

Shaft assembly 200, as seen in FIGS. 4-8, 10A-10D and 14-17C, includes arelease assembly 280 at least partially supported in/on connection hub250. Release assembly 280 includes a pair of cam blocks 281 a, 281 b,each operatively associated with a respective angled surface 252 a, 252b of connection hub 250. Release assembly 280 further includes a pair ofconnection pins 282 a, 282 b, each connected to and secured torespective cam blocks 281 a, 281 b. Each connection pin 282 a, 282 b isdimensioned to extend from respective cam block 281 a, 281 b andradially through connection hub 250. Specifically, each connection pin282 a, 282 b includes a tip which projects radially outward fromconnection hub 250, when release assembly 280 is in a non-actuatedcondition.

Release assembly 280 further includes a release lever 285 in the form ofa leaf spring defining a biasing member interposed between cam blocks281 a, 281 b and functioning to maintain or urge cam blocks 281 a, 281 binto engagement or contact with respective angled surface 252 a, 252 bof connection hub 250. Release lever 285 includes a pair of ends 285 a,285 b secured to a respective cam block 281 a, 281 b, and a free end 285c projecting radially from the axis defined by connection pins 282 a,282 b.

Release assembly 280 includes a first or connecting configurationwherein a tip of each connection pin 282 a, 282 b projects radiallyoutward from connection hub 250, and a second or release configurationwherein the tip of each connection pin 282 a, 282 b is at leastpartially withdrawn or retracted into connection hub 250.

In use, as seen in FIGS. 17A-17C, in order to actuate release assembly280 from the first configuration to the second configuration, releaselever 285 is actuated to rotate release lever 285 about the axis definedby connection pins 282 a, 282 b. As release lever 285 is actuated, camblocks 281 a, 281 b are rotated relative to respective angled surface252 a, 252 b of connection hub 250 thereby urging respective connectionpins 282 a, 282 b radially inward, and biasing or compressing the leafspring portion of release lever 285. Following actuation of releaselever 285, upon a release thereof, the leafspring un-compresses andurges cam blocks 281 a, 281 b against respective angled surface 252 a,252 b of connection hub 250 causing cam blocks 281 a, 281 b to return toan un-rotated position and resulting in connection pins 282 a, 282 bre-extending radially outward from connection hub 250.

In an alternate embodiment of a release assembly 280 a, as seen in FIG.10B, leaf spring release lever 285 of release assembly 280 may bereplaced with a separate biasing member 284 a and release lever 284 b.

Release assembly 280 also includes a release lever 285 connected to atleast one cam block 281 a, 281 b. In the present embodiment, releaselever 285 extends in a direction transverse to an axis defined byconnection pins 282 a, 282 b.

In yet another alternate embodiment, as seen in FIG. 10D, anotheralternate release assembly 280 b may include a resilient wire-likerelease lever 284 c including a pair of arms 284 c ₁, 284 c ₂ arrangedin a substantial V-shape or Ω-shape, and a pair of connection pins 282 a₁, 282 b ₁ extending from a respective arm 284 c ₁, 284 c ₂. Releaselever 284 c of release assembly 280 b cooperates with particularlyshaped camming surfaces 252 a ₁, 252 b ₁ of connection hub 250.

In use, in order to actuate release assembly 280 b from a firstconfiguration to a second configuration, release lever 284 c is actuatedto rotate arms 284 c ₁, 284 c ₂ about an axis defined by connection pins282 a ₁, 282 b ₁. As release lever 284 c is actuated, arms 284 c ₁, 284c ₂ engage respective angled surfaces 252 a ₁, 252 b ₁ of connection hub250 thereby urging respective arms 284 c ₁, 284 c ₂ and thus connectionpins 282 a ₁, 282 b ₁ radially inward, and biasing or compressing arms284 c ₁, 284 c ₂ toward one another. Following actuation of releaselever 284 c, upon a release thereof, arms 284 c ₁, 284 c ₂ un-compressand urge connection pins 282 a ₁, 282 b ₁ radially outward fromconnection hub 250.

Turning now to FIGS. 14-17, release assembly 280 includes a releasecable 286 extending through articulation neck assembly 230 and tubularbody 210 of shaft assembly 200. Specifically, release cable 286 includesa distal end connected to a free end 285 c of release lever 285. Releasecable 286 also includes a proximal end connected to a release button 287which is slidably supported on transmission housing 208. Release button287 includes a first position wherein release assembly 280 isun-actuated, as described above, and at least a second position whereinrelease button 287 pulls release cable 286 in a proximal direction toactuate release assembly 280.

Release assembly 280 further includes a slack removal assembly 288including a spring 288 a, or the like, associated with release cable286. Slack removal spring 288 a functions to compensate for any slack orstretching that may occur in release cable 286 over time and after anynumber of uses, or when articulation neck assembly 230 is in anarticulate configuration. In particular, slack removal assembly 288further includes a cylinder 288 b into which a proximal end of releasecable 286 extends. Release button 287 is connected to cylinder 288 bsuch that axial movement of release button 287 results in concomitantaxial movement of cylinder 288 b. Slack removal spring 288 a issupported in cylinder 288 b. The proximal end of release cable 286extends through slack removal spring 288 a and is capped by a plug 288 cfixedly connected thereto. Desirably, slack removal spring 288 a is acoil spring or the like.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 8, shaft assembly 200 includes a pair ofelectrical contact pins 290 a, 290 b for electrical connection to acorresponding electrical plug 190 a, 190 b disposed in connectingportion 108 a of surgical device 100. Electrical contacts 290 a, 290 bserve to allow for calibration and communication of necessary life-cycleinformation to circuit board of surgical device 100 via electrical plugs190 a, 190 b that are electrically connected to circuit board. Shaftassembly 200 further includes a circuit board 292 supported intransmission housing 208 and which is in electrical communication withelectrical contact pins 290 a, 290 b. In accordance with the presentdisclosure, shaft assembly 200 or circuit board 292 include a button 294(see FIGS. 7 and 8), which functions in the manner of a gyroscope,Hall-Effect sensors or the like, to communicate with surgical device 100and provide surgical device 100 with an indication of when shaftassembly is not rotated (i.e., in a home or straight position orconfiguration). In this manner, button 294 functions to inhibitinstances of excessive rotation of shaft assembly 200.

Turning now to FIGS. 18-24, a detailed discussion of the constructionand operation of end effector 400 is provided. End effector 400 isconstructed substantially in accordance with end effector 400 disclosedin U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/659,116, filed onJun. 13, 2012, entitled “Apparatus for Endoscopic Procedures”, theentire content of which being incorporated herein by reference, and thuswill only be discussed in detail herein to the extent necessary todescribe differences in construction and operation thereof. End effector400 may be configured and adapted to apply a plurality of linear rows offasteners, which in embodiments may be of various sizes, and which, incertain embodiments may have various lengths or rows, e.g., about 30, 45and 60 mm in length.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 18-24, end effector 400 includes a mountingportion 420 having a coupling member 422 configured for selectiveconnection to distal neck housing 236 of shaft assembly 200. Endeffector 400 further includes a jaw assembly 430 connected to andextending distally from mounting portion 420. Jaw assembly 430 includesa lower jaw 432 pivotally connected to mounting portion 420 and beingconfigured to selectively support a cartridge assembly therein, and anupper jaw 442 secured to mounting portion 420 and being movable,relative to lower jaw 432, between approximated and spaced apartpositions.

As seen in FIGS. 20 and 21, coupling member 422 is substantiallycylindrical and includes a rear or proximal annular wall 422 a defininga central opening 422 b therein. Annular wall 422 a defines an angledinner surface 422 c extending radially inwardly and distally from aproximal-most edge. Annular wall 422 a further defines two pair ofdiametrically opposed attachment holes 422 d ₁, 422 d ₂ orientedorthogonally to one another. Central opening 422 b is configured anddimensioned to receive connection hub 250 of shaft assembly 200 therein.

In use, when end effector 400 is connected to attached to shaft assembly200, end effector 400 is oriented in either a first orientation, or asecond orientation rotated approximately 90°, along a longitudinal axisthereof, relative to the first orientation.

As seen in FIG. 21 and FIG. 23, in the first orientation, attachmentholes 422 d ₁ are aligned with connection pins 282 a, 282 b of releaseassembly 280 of shaft assembly, and a proximal head 426 a of a driveaxle 426 of end effector 400 is aligned with coupling socket 239 a ₁. Asso oriented, end effector 400 is approximated toward shaft assembly 200wherein connection pins 282 a, 282 b of release assembly 280 are cammedradially inwardly as connection pins 282 a, 282 b engage angled innersurface 422 c of coupling member until connection pins 282 a, 282 balign with attachment holes 422 d ₁ whereby connection pins 282 a, 282 bare free to spring radially outward into attachment holes 422 d ₁ tosecure end effector 400 to shaft assembly 200. Also, as so oriented,when end effector 400 is connected to shaft assembly 200, proximal head426 a of drive axle 426 of end effector 400 operatively couples withcoupling socket 239 a ₁.

In this first orientation, as seen in FIG. 23, a plane defined betweentissue contacting surfaces of upper jaw 442 and lower jaw 432 of jawassembly 430 is substantially parallel to the pivot axis “P” defined bypivot pin 234.

As seen in FIGS. 21 and 24, in the second orientation, attachment holes422 d ₂ are aligned with connection pins 282 a, 282 b of releaseassembly 280 of shaft assembly, and proximal head 426 a of drive axle426 of end effector 400 is aligned with coupling socket 239 b ₁. As sooriented, end effector 400 is approximated toward shaft assembly 200wherein connection pins 282 a, 282 b of release assembly 280 are cammedradially inwardly as connection pins 282 a, 282 b engage angled innersurface 422 c of coupling member until connection pins 282 a, 282 balign with attachment holes 422 d ₂ whereby connection pins 282 a, 282 bare free to spring radially outward into attachment holes 422 d ₂ tosecure end effector 400 to shaft assembly 200. Also, as so oriented,when end effector 400 is connected to shaft assembly 200, proximal head426 a of drive axle 426 of end effector 400 operatively couples withcoupling socket 239 b ₁.

In this second orientation, as seen in FIG. 24, a plane defined betweentissue contacting surfaces of upper jaw 442 and lower jaw 432 of jawassembly 430 is substantially orthogonal to the pivot axis “P” definedby pivot pin 234.

As seen in FIG. 19, lower jaw 432 of jaw assembly 430 includes a drivescrew 464 rotatably supported therein and extending substantially anentire length thereof. Drive screw 464 includes a female coupling member464 a supported on a proximal end thereof and being configured forreceipt of multi-faceted, distal head 426 b of drive axle 426. Drivescrew 464 is axially and laterally fixed within lower jaw 432 of jawassembly 430. In operation, rotation of drive axle 426 results inconcomitant rotation of drive screw 464.

End effector 400 includes a drive beam 466 slidably supported in lowerjaw 432 of jaw assembly 430. Drive beam 466 includes a substantiallyI-shaped cross-sectional profile and is configured to approximate lowerjaw 432 and upper jaw 442, and to axially displace an actuation sled 418through lower jaw 432. Drive beam 466 includes a vertically orientedsupport strut; a lateral projecting member formed atop the support strutand being configured to engage and translate with respect to an exteriorcamming surface of upper jaw 442 to progressively close jaw assembly430; and a retention foot having an internally threaded bore forthreadable connection to threaded drive screw 464. Since drive beam 466is prevented from rotation by the engagement of the strut and/or the cammember with upper jaw 442, as drive screw 464 is rotated, the retentionfoot, and in turn, drive beam 466 is axially translated relative tolower jaw 432.

In operation, as drive screw 464 is rotated, in a first direction, toadvance drive beam 466, as described above, drive beam 466 is advancedinto contact with a knife sled 450 and an actuation sled 418 to distallyadvance or push knife sled 450 and actuation sled 418 through staplecartridge assembly 410 and lower jaw 432. Knife sled 450, actuation sled418 and drive beam 466 travel through a body of cartridge assembly 410thereby fastening and severing tissue. Drive screw 464 is rotated untilactuation sled 418, knife sled 450 and drive beam 466 reach adistal-most end of the body of cartridge assembly 410 and/or lower jaw432, for a complete firing.

Following a complete or partial firing, drive screw 464 is rotated in anopposite direction to retract drive beam 466. Drive screw 464 is rotateduntil drive beam 466 and knife sled 450 are returned to theproximal-most position. Once drive beam 466 and knife sled 450 arereturned to the proximal-most position, drive beam 466 is disengagedfrom knife sled 450, and staple cartridge assembly 410 is free to beremoved from lower jaw 432.

Upper jaw 442 of jaw assembly 430 functions as an anvil against whichthe staples form when actuation sled 418 is advanced during a firing ofsurgical device 100. In particular, upper jaw 442 includes an anvilplate 443, secured to a cover housing 444, in juxtaposed relation tostaple cartridge assembly 410. Anvil plate 443 defines a plurality ofstaple forming pockets (not shown), arranged in longitudinally extendingrows that cooperate with the rows of staple retaining slots (not shown)of staple cartridge assembly 410, when staple cartridge assembly 410 isdisposed in lower jaw 432.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. For example, surgical device 100 and/orcartridge assembly 410 need not apply staples but rather may apply twopart fasteners as is known in the art. Further, the length of the linearrow of staples or fasteners may be modified to meet the requirements ofa particular surgical procedure. Thus, the length of the linear row ofstaples and/or fasteners within a staple cartridge assembly may bevaried accordingly. Therefore, the above description should not beconstrued as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferredembodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modificationswithin the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shaft assembly for selectively interconnectingan end effector and an electromechanical power source, the shaftassembly comprising: an outer tube; a rotatable drive shaft supportedtherein; a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of the outertube; a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neckhousing, wherein a distal end of the distal neck housing is configuredand adapted for operative connection with the end effector; a pivot pininterconnecting the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing;and a gear train supported in the proximal neck housing, on the pivotpin, and in the distal neck housing, wherein the gear train includes: aproximal gear rotatably supported in the proximal neck housing and beingcoupled to a distal end of the rotatable drive shaft; an intermediategear rotatably supported on the pivot pin and being in operativeengagement with the proximal gear; a distal gear rotatably supported inthe distal neck housing and being in operative engagement with theintermediate gear; and a pair of output gears rotatably supported in thedistal neck housing and each being in operative engagement with thedistal gear, wherein each output gear defines a coupling socket eachconfigured to selectively receive the drive axle of the end effector;and a release assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft assembly,the release assembly includes a pair of opposing cam blocks and isconfigured for selective engagement with the end effector, the releaseassembly being actuatable from a proximal end of the shaft assembly suchthat the pair of cam blocks rotate about a rotation axis defined by thepair of cam blocks, the rotation axis being transverse to a centrallongitudinal axis defined by the shaft assembly.
 2. The shaft assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein a rotation of the drive shaft of the shaftassembly results in rotation of both output gears.
 3. The shaft assemblyaccording to claim 2, wherein the shaft assembly has a straightconfiguration, and an angled configuration, between about 0° to about90°, wherein the distal neck housing is pivoted about the pivot pin to adesired angled configuration.
 4. The shaft assembly according to claim3, wherein the gear train transmits rotation from the drive shaft toboth output gears when the shaft assembly is in either the straightconfiguration or the angled configuration.
 5. The shaft assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein an axis of rotation of the proximal gearis co-axial with an axis of rotation of the drive shaft, wherein an axisof rotation of the distal gear is co-axial with the axis of rotation ofthe drive shaft when the shaft assembly is in a straight configuration,and wherein an axis of rotation of each of the output gears is parallelto the axis of rotation of the distal gear.
 6. The shaft assemblyaccording to claim 5, wherein the axis of rotation of the distal gear isoriented orthogonal to a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin.
 7. Theshaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein the release assemblyfurther includes a pair of diametrically opposed connection pinssupported in the distal neck housing, each connection pin of the pair ofconnection pins is coupled to a respective cam block of the pair of camblocks.
 8. The shaft assembly according to claim 7, wherein the releaseassembly further includes: an actuated condition in which the connectionpins are retracted radially inward; and a non-actuated condition inwhich the connection pins project radially outward.
 9. The shaftassembly according to claim 8, wherein the release assembly includes arelease button supported near a proximal end of the outer tube, and arelease cable interconnecting the release button and the connectionpins.
 10. The shaft assembly according to claim 9, wherein an actuationof the release button exerts a force on the release cable to actuate theconnection pins from the non-actuated condition to the actuatedcondition.
 11. The shaft assembly according to claim 1, furthercomprising: an articulation rod at least partially slidably supported inthe distal neck housing, the articulation rod including: a distal end;and a proximal end operatively connected to a rotatable drive shaft;wherein the articulation rod is off set a radial distance from thecentral longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly; and an articulationlink having a proximal end pivotally connected to the distal end of thearticulation rod, and a distal end pivotally connected to the distalneck housing; wherein actuation of a rotatable drive shaft of the shaftassembly that is connected to the articulation rod causes thearticulation rod to axially translate; and wherein axial translation ofthe articulation rod causes the distal neck housing to pivot off axisrelative to the proximal neck housing.
 12. An electromechanical surgicaldevice, comprising an end effector configured to perform at least onefunction, the end effector including an input drive axle projectingtherefrom, and the shaft assembly according to claim
 1. 13. Theelectromechanical surgical device according to claim 12, wherein the endeffector includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw movable with respect toone another between open and closed positions, wherein tissue contactingsurfaces of the upper jaw and the lower jaw define a plane therebetween,and wherein the end effector is selectively connectable to the distalneck housing of the shaft assembly in one of a first orientation and asecond orientation.
 14. The electromechanical surgical device accordingto claim 13, wherein in the first orientation the plane defined by theend effector is oriented substantially orthogonal to a pivot axisdefined by the pivot pin.
 15. The electromechanical surgical deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein in the second orientation the planedefined by the end effector is oriented substantially parallel to apivot axis defined by the pivot pin.
 16. The electromechanical surgicaldevice according to claim 15, wherein when the end effector is connectedto the distal neck housing of the shaft assembly in the firstorientation, the drive axle of the end effector is coupled to thecoupling socket of a first of the pair of output gears.
 17. Theelectromechanical surgical device according to claim 16, wherein whenthe end effector is connected to the distal neck housing of the shaftassembly in the second orientation, the drive axle of the end effectoris coupled to the coupling socket of a second of the pair of outputgears.
 18. The electromechanical surgical device according to claim 12,wherein the end effector includes a coupling member defined by anannular wall, and wherein the coupling member defines a first pair ofdiametrically opposed attachment holes and a second pair ofdiametrically opposed attachment holes, wherein the first pair and thesecond pair of attachment holes are offset approximately 90° relative toone another.
 19. The electromechanical surgical device according toclaim 18, wherein each of the first pair and second pair of attachmentholes are configured to receive a pair of connection pins of the releaseassembly when the end effector is connected to the shaft assembly in oneof the first orientation and the second orientation.